Seattle to Portland drive -- road trip planner to make the day unique

Seattle to Portland drive — road trip planner to make the day unique

Follow for unique side trip options to get off the interstate — a Seattle to Portland drive road trip planner.

My life is a tale of two cities. I was born and raised in the Portland area but my mom and a ton of family hailed from the Salish Sea, in Washington State. On Christmas Eve we’d have a celebration in my hometown of Scappoose with one side of relatives, then pile in our 1967 Plymouth Fury, all five kids, and two parents, for a rocket ride up Interstate 5 (I5) to Tacoma for Midnight Mass. The morning would come too soon and we’d wake up for Christmas brunch with more relatives, and back in the Fury for nonstop service home. Not even 24 hours! Now that’s an express holiday.

All this crazy shuffling happened when I was very young, and as the years continued my parents chose to keep their sanity by gradually reducing the 24-hour road trips. But, jaunts between the two main areas of the Pacific Northwest, roughly 180 miles apart, never ceased. I’ve experienced this journey by just about every method and route possible. For more information on other ways to get between Seattle and Portland — including air and train — check out this article.

The Volunteer Park Conservatory is iconic with the metal and glass Victorian look under a blue sky day. The doors leading into the building are white and the sandwich board sign is yellow with black lettering.

Table of Contents: Turn your Seattle to Portland drive into a remarkable road trip.

Why should you listen to Matthew Kessi (that’s me)?

The Pacific Northwest is my lifelong playground.
As a former travel industry professional, my experience guiding people around Oregon and Washington State gives me valuable insight into the right balance between what is possible and rewarding.
Unlike big travel websites, I’ve been to all the places, tested the ideas, eaten the food, and taken photos. Unless specified, I don’t receive compensation for naming specific locations — my recommendations come from the heart.
Since I live in Seattle, I drive up and down Interstate 5 frequently to keep my knowledge updated.
I’m a practical mystic, which means I actively integrate spiritual sensitivities and meaningful applications in daily life. I can help you find more rewarding experiences grounded in nature — and you can be more present to yourself, your companions, and all the wonders of travel. In another article, “Six steps to deepen your nature connection, “ I write about the fundamentals to do this.

A wooden bridge crosses a babbling creek at the gateway to Mt. Rainier National Park. Tree branches lined with green moss hang over the water with a variety of rainforest plants thriving in this scene of effortless nature connection.

Join me on a Mt. Rainier 20 Minute Guided Nature Connection YouTube video.

Quiet your mind, open your heart, and allow your intuition to flow by following this Guided Nature Connection experience in the secret corner of Mt. Rainier National Park.

In this episode we reflect on ways that Nature’s Intelligence can help us shine through the nervous energy ups and downs of daily life? This is a path to get out of your head and into your own nature!

For a more simple Nature Meditation, also in the rainforest of Mt. Rainier, visit this YouTube video.

Mt Rainier Nature Experience

Selfie of Matthew Kessi standing outside a Tesla S series in the middle of a woods scene. The trees in the background are fir with variegated bark and he is wearing a green plaid shirt while resting his arms on the shining metallic blue sedan.

A forested road heads toward more forest with trees on both sides of the road, somewhere on the drive between Seattle and Portland. They are bright green with fir branches and the roadway has a yellow line in the middle. This is the road that goes to Spirit Lake, Washington, which is on Mount St. Helens.

Ways to get between Seattle and Portland

There are a number of options to get between Seattle and Portland. But, if you want a car in either city, or the price point is too high to shuttle on the rail or in the air, then a nice drive down I5 is the main option. On a good day, the drive takes roughly three hours, of course depending upon the area of town. On a bad day, well… just have good days!

Gradually over the years, I evolved from a frantic, impatient I5 driver to a more relaxed, take-it-all-in-stride kind of person. I’ve finally accepted that Pacific Northwest drivers are unaware of their surroundings and don’t get me started on philosophies around who should be using the left lane. Now, I enjoy my time to either catch up on podcasts or meditate, which might sound strange but the monotonous movements racing straight on a well-maintained road, going 70+, seem to allow the brain to relax.

If not in a place of zen, or taking this drive for the first time, perhaps some stops along the way would be welcome. Stay tuned for lots of options to weave off and then back on I5 while making way between Seattle and Portland. First-time visitors to the area will enjoy a diverse itinerary including a state capitol building, Volcano, forestry industrial area, and country farms.

Plan a unique road trip on the Seattle to Portland drive

The Pacific Northwest is a sparsely populated area of the United States, and as a result, there are not a lot of highways between the main cities. After I5, the options consist of sleepy country roads. There are four additional scenic routes that represent the best of the Pacific Northwest but obviously require more time resources — journey around the Olympic Peninsula, the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, the majestic Mt. Rainier path (parts are closed in winter), or intriguing Spirit Lake on the secret side of Mount St. Helens (closed in winter).

While it might look doable on a map, avoid the temptation to try to see Mt. Rainier all in one day when traveling between Seattle and Portland. But if you’re interested in adding on an overnight (between June and October), it is worthwhile to include in your Pacific Northwest experience. For more information, look at my articles about remarkable road trips to Mt. Rainier, and How to explore the Paradise region of Mt. Rainier National Park.

This article will zero in on options closer to the main Interstate 5 since these detours add only a few hours to the trip. The stops along the way between Seattle and Portland are listed from a southbound perspective, but just reverse if traveling north from Portland to Seattle. The interactive map displayed after this article shows the route described as well as notable stopping points along the way.

In case you’re also interested in points north of Seattle consider the following articles to help plan:

red berries cling to a shrub along the very muddy trail to ShiShi Beach on the Olympic Peninsula. The green leaves around the berries are damp from a recent rain.

Seattle to Portland Pro-Tip:

Exits along I5 begin with #1 in Vancouver, WA (just across the Columbia River — 10 miles from Downtown Portland), and in general, indicate the distance along the way. For instance, the exit for Pacific Bonsai Museum, mentioned below is #143 — it is 143 miles from Vancouver, WA. An exit for Downtown Seattle is #165.

Mt. Rainier rises up majestically above Tacoma, which is a great stop on the drive between Seattle and Portland. Two people walk on a waterfront pathway with the city in the background under blue sky.

A google map shows the two options for a Seattle to Portland road trip with a stop at Mt. Rainier.

Portland to Mt. Rainier drive — and on to Seattle. Is it worth it?

Looking at the map, it might seem like an easy stop along the way, but be careful with this plan because you can quickly burn out — and spend a lot of time in traffic. There is a truckload of information for planning a remarkable visit to Mt. Rainier. In addition to that article, here are the key planning considerations for Portland to Mt. Rainier when marking the drive between Seattle and Portland.

Leave early (like before 7am) when traffic is in your favor.
Choose between Paradise and Sunrise.
Make only a few stops and spend quality time at each.
Avoid driving in the Seattle/Tacoma area between 3-7 pm.
This is only realistic between June and October (check road conditions).

Northbound (Portland to Mt. Rainier)

I like the Sunrise Corridor for Portland to Mt. Rainier drives because there are plenty of great experiences, whether or not you can get time entry reservations. (See the section below on options without reservations).

Packwood and Enumclaw provide plenty of meals, gas, etc., services to bookend the Portland to Mt. Rainier drive.

Southbound (Mt. Rainier to Portland)

I recommend the Paradise Corridor for drives from Seattle to Mt. Rainier, and then Portland. Of course, this means you need time entry reservations or plan to arrive before 7 am or after 3 pm (between Memorial Day and Labor Day).

Leaving early gets you through the thickest traffic liabilities. Then, you can spend time on the mountain and loop through the Ohanapecosh area (one of my favorite park areas) to Packwood for a bite or continue to Portland on mostly country back roads until you reach Interstate 5.

National Park Inn, on the way from Seattle to Mt. Rainier, is a great stop to see views of the mountain, like in this photograph. The four Storie building has painted brown shake siding under the prominent view of the great mountain.

Add an overnight on the Portland to Mt. Rainier adventure.

An ideal scenario is to add at least one overnight to the Portland to Mt. Rainier experience while traveling between Seattle and Portland. Besides the quintessential mountain experience of staying at Paradise Inn (which is hard to get into), consider places in National Park Inn (photo shown), Ashford, Packwood, or around Crystal Mountain.

The significant benefit of this decision is the ability to get into Mt. Rainier National Park early in the morning and/or experience the exquisite evening light before sunset the night before.

Federal Way, WA — suburban nature

Federal Way, Washington hugs I5 about 30 minutes from Seattle. While it might seem like only urban sprawl with fast food joints, consider making a visit to one of the several beautiful green spaces. Dash Point and Saltwater State Parks glide along the Salish Sea while PowellsWood is an unassuming botanical garden. The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden and Pacific Bonsai Museum (right next to one another), are quick options near the freeway to soak up countless varieties of plants — and even buy something unique in the expansive plant store. (Exit #143)

A winter walk on the plank system of West Hylebos park is a great outdoor thing to do in the Seattle area. Here, a spring supplies water to low level brush and leafless winter trees. The Plank system passes by with weathered railings and wood planks.

Remarkable nature in an unsuspecting location:

West Hylebos Wetlands Park can be a magical option. Stroll along wood planks through one of the last remaining natural bogs in the area. Gaze at giant western red cedar, Sitka spruce, and amazing Douglas fir. I stop here often and have an entire article about this amazing place. (Exit #142B)

The Pacific Bonsai Museum is a great stop on the Seattle to Portland drive. Meticulously groomed trees like this one line a magical walkway. This tree has bright magenta blooms on a gnarled miniature tree trunk. There is a beige stucco wall in the background.

Wright Park in Tacoma, Washington is a wonderful garden scene. Here a roman style statue stands over a pond with a fountain spraying water and ripples moving out toward two people sitting on a park bench enjoying the view. A pink rhododendron is blooming in the foreground while different types of deciduous trees are pushing out their new colorful foliage.

Tacoma, WA — museum city

There is a lot more to Tacoma than the usual traffic around the Fife curve leading to and from the iconic dome. My mom was born and raised here, so I hold a special place in my heart for this quirky city. While Point Defiance Park is a perennial favorite, it’s easy to make quick stops at one or more of the museums near I5. The Museum of Glass and America’s Car Museum are two fun options (Exit #133). Farther down the freeway, the Lewis Army Museum serves up everything military — from vintage fighter jets to tanks (Exit #119).

At low tide, the hike on ShiShi Beach in the Olympic National Park offers a path by sand and barnacle clad rocks. Here two fir trees can be seen rising from the top of a rock stack under gray skies.

Want to add an overnight along the way?

Tacoma makes a great overnight destination on the Seattle to Portland drive. There is always quirky energy at the McMenamins Elks Temple, in a central location downtown. Or, Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston is at the heart of uban renewal with fantastic views of Mt. Rainier and the waterfront. Plus, it’s close to Point Defiance Park, which includes the fantastic Dune Peninsula.

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge — convenient nature connection between Seattle and Portland.

Stretch legs after an hour of driving from Seattle (in normal traffic) by taking exit #114 — to explore the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. From the parking lot ($3 per day), there are several trails with interpretive signs highlighting the plants and animals in the region. Head to the viewpoint of the rushing Nisqually River and, if time allows, continue on the spectacular boardwalk that winds over wetlands to a destination gazebo — complete with sweeping views of the Salish Sea, the estuary, and the top of Mount Rainier on a good day. Plenty of birds, crabs, sea lions, and other creatures await discovery along the way. Read a more in-depth article about this Salish Sea marvel of nature.

A man stands on a boardwalk while immersed in nature, his hiking shoes against the wood slabs while green grass pokes through the openings between the slats.

Helpful hints for keeping present in nature:

This is an excellent place to experience closeness to Nature’s Intelligence. I write about six questions to ask to deepen your nature connection, which provides a great guide to moving toward feeling belonging, resilience, and purpose.

A winding boardwalk traverses the marsh land at Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. The tide is out and reveals large areas of green grasses and the gazebo way in the distance is very tiny compared the the wide blue sky.

Any drive between Seattle and Portland has to run through Olympia. The Washington State Capitol building is commanding with large blocks of white rock fused together to create columns and done. In the foreground bright red rhododendron are at the height of blooming.

Olympia, Washington — road trip planner

Before the railroad ended up in Tacoma and Seattle, Olympia was slated to become the largest city in the Washington Territory. The seat of government was set up in this town which wraps around the southern end of the Salish Sea. Olympic marks the end (or beginning if driving north) of the Seattle/Tacoma metropolis, so this might be an opportune place to stretch your legs and search for refreshments. Both can easily be achieved by taking Exit #105 and following signs to the historic downtown area of the state capitol. Parking is easy and there are a few good restaurants, as well as coffee shops, throughout the cohesive downtown community.

After food and fuel, drive a little farther to the grand lawn that eloquently frames the giant concrete and limestone capitol building, with a dome rising high above the placid waters. It’s easy to wander around the area, perhaps witnessing state politicians shuffling between meetings and grade school tour busses spilling students of all ages onto the commanding steps leading to the doors of the legislative building. With more interest and time, tours of the capitol dome can be arranged.

Road trip planner pro-tip:

Olympia is the best jumping-off point along I5 for either the Olympic Peninsula loop, or Pacific Ocean trek along Highway 101 down to the Oregon Coast.

Centralia, Washington — Seattle to Portland road trip

Centralia gets its name for being, well, central between Portland and Seattle. Before traffic became a thing, this meant drivers were exactly halfway along the trip. I fondly remember this stop as the childhood place where McDonald’s Happy Meal dreams came true, which was only the case when driving with our mom because our dad was a nonstop machine.

Today, if shopping is a priority, there are plenty of items to buy in the numerous outlet malls. If fast food is on the mind, I’m partial to Burgerville. Otherwise, push past all the noise and delve deeper from the highway towards the historic downtown area. Not even two miles away there is a quaint Amtrak station and the sleepy main avenue serves up quirky shops with antiques and other treasures to peruse. McMenamin’s Olympic Club offers guests an eclectic atmosphere with a movie theater, restaurant, and bar. The hotel rooms upstairs are modest and affordable.

Road trip planner pro-tip:

For a multi-day trip, the McMenamin’s Hotel would be an interesting location to overnight and pick up the next day for more exploring Mt. St. Helens, which is about 90 minutes away.

Mist rises up from the dense fir forest while a blue SUV sits parked on the side of the road. The gravel road slightly turns into more forest and the side of the road is covered in last years fallen maple leaves and dense green sword ferns.

A roadway turns just before a blue dairy barn next to two tall and narrow grain silos. There are trees around the farm and the blue sky above has a few white puffy clouds. The field across the road from the barn is newly plowed brown dirt. This is one of the lesser traveled routes on the Seattle to Portland drive.

Castle Rock, WA — country roads take me home — road trip planner

When driving the interstate becomes too much of the same, consider a short detour by diverting off I5 at Exit #63 for Winlock. Once off the freeway, there is a service station with a parking lot view of Mt. St. Helens. Check out the view, fill up the tank, locate Military Road and turn left. This stretch of road seems to have it all; picturesque barns, a pottery studio, timber, hills, riverbanks, and lonely railroad tracks. Head toward Castle Rock, which was the sleepy town depicted in Stephen King’s story, Stand By Me, although the movie was filmed in Brownsville, Oregon.

Helpful hints for Seattle to Portland drive:

Castle Rock isn’t far from the overpass that crosses I5, so if wanting the northbound version, get off the freeway at Castle Rock Exit #49 and work northbound on the same highway to re-merge with I5 at the Winlock Exit #63.

Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center and Silver Lake stroll — volcano fascination on the road between Seattle and Portland.

On May 18, 1980, the Pacific Northwest was rocked by a waking giant, as the almost 10,000ft high dormant Mt. St. Helens volcano feverishly blasted away about 1300 vertical feet of the mountain into a cauliflower plume rising miles into the sky. My hometown of Scappoose was only 40 miles away. The blast pushed north and east, away from us, so our skies did not immediately turn gray with ash. But later when winds shifted I remember several inches of fine powdery gray dust covering everything around us, like an eerie holocaustic storm. Read a more detailed account of this historic day in Pacific Northwest history.

Today, visitors have several options to learn more about this major world event and even more about the geology of the area, plants, animals, and the forestry industry. The main visitor center is close to the freeway and a longer, more scenic hour-long drive to the Johnston Ridge Observatory (closed in winter) adds a few more hours but is an excellent option well worth the effort. (The Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center may be closed for renovation, but the Silver Lake boardwalk is still open.)

From the Castle Rock Exit #49 head up the hill about 5 miles to the Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center. There should be plenty of parking and entrance to the museum is $5 for adults. The movie outlining the events of May 18, 1980, is important and exhibits informative. In front of the center meet up with the trailhead that uses a sturdy boardwalk to wind around the marshy Silver Lake. Lake views and timber forests open up to perfectly frame what’s left of Mt. St. Helens.

Selfie of Matthew Kessi looking out at Silver Lake. A black raincoat covers his eyes and the lake is bordered by red brush and tall fir trees further back. Silver Lake is located along Interstate 5 on the drive between Seattle and Portland.

Road trip planner pro-tip:

From the informative visitor centers to hiking trails along the moon-scape-like debris field of the eruption, the Mt. St. Helens National Monument area has a lot to discover and makes a great dedicated day trip. Consider staying in Centralia (southbound trip) or Kelso (northbound) to break up the journey.

A newspaper clipping from around the time of the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens shows the devastating damage the blast created by blowing off almost half of the mountain. The photo shows the cratered mountain in black and white with a dotted line to reflect the former top of the mountain.

A logging truck full with wood heads up a bridge on the drive from Seattle to Portland on a bridge with aqua green erector beams supporting the entire structure. A car passes on the other side of the ride, which is divided by two solid yellow lines.

Lewis and Clark Bridge and the Oregon side of the Columbia River

By the time the freeway rounds Kelso towards the industrial hub of Longview, Washington my homeland, Columbia County, is within sites in the distant hills across the Columbia River. Take Exit #36 from I5 and wind through the industrial zone with sights on Oregon. The main source of jobs for a hundred years focused around logging, and the drive across the towering Lewis and Clark Bridge opens up views of the expansive docks covered with stripped Douglas fir timber ready for export on one of the massive marine vessels waiting in the river.

For expansive views take the northbound exit (towards Clatskanie) up the steep hill to Rainer View Point turnout that opens up views of the Columbia River and Longview. Pull off the busy road, count the number of ships in the waterway and look for Mt. St. Helens in the distance.

Eventually head south on Highway 30, following signs to St. Helens or Portland. There are a few quick stop options to stretch legs along the way, like simple but serene Pixie Park in Columbia City, beautifully situated on the bank of the Columbia River.

Shelves of kayaks are put away inside a dock building along the Columbia River near Scappoose Oregon.

Road trip planner things to do:

For a little outdoor activity, stop in at Scappoose Bay Paddling Center and rent kayaks to explore the estuary environment.

Nature Abounds on Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island is a bastion of nature formed by sediment collected as the Columbia River made a major turn north. The nutrient-rich soil is great for agriculture, and today the island is mostly farms and a wildlife reserve amongst an intricate series of lakes and waterways. The island is essentially within the city limits of Portland, but with only one simple grocery store, the feel is very rural. Country peace and quiet floats in the air.

Although the winter months serve up mostly dormant fields, the wildlife reserve always holds unique beauty along with opportunities to watch birds. The island comes alive in the summer and fall, attracting u-pick enthusiasts, bicyclists, and nature lovers. Then comes an October craze with the world searching for their Great Pumpkin at one of the local farms with corn mazes and other autumn fun.

No matter what time of year, make this stop to commune with nature. Procure some fresh produce at one of the stands and head to Howell Territorial Park, or with more time venture to the farther side of the island to one of the many beaches. But be aware, the hippie culture that made Portland famous is alive and well with a few clothing-optional beaches.

A woman lies on a blanket, with a picnic basket looking up at the thick trees creating shade on a sunny day. She's on the wide grassy lawn of a park, with a 1800's wood paneled house with red brick chimneys in the background and patches of red barn farther behind the house.

Road trip planner activity option:

Cistus Nursery offers viewing some interesting and rare varieties of plants, both indoors in a greenhouse and around the external yard area. For more tips on this area, including a Google Maps chart with specific stops, check out another post about a day-trip itinerary from Portland to Vernonia and Sauvie Island.

A two year old boy with a jean jacket that says Astor and curly brown hair runs in between rows of strawberry plants, which run almost as far as the eye can see. On the horizon are faint green hills with a gray blue cloudy swirl of sky.

Native totems line up next to each other with red, aqua and black paintings while the McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge takes the scene in the background. This is a great stop on the drive between Seattle and Portland.

Kalama, WA — Seattle to Portland road trip planning on the Washington side of the Columbia River

The routing over the Lewis and Clark Bridge can add a bit more time to the journey if going to places on the south and east side of the Portland Metro area. If you prefer a faster version, continue on I5 through Kalama, WA. The McMenamins Kalama Harbor Lodge — the territorial Hawaiian-styled building along the Columbia River — makes for a nice place to stop to stretch the legs (Exit #30). The 2.3-mile paved promenade is a peaceful place to take in the river, count the ships passing by, and perhaps enjoy food and beverage at the McMenamin’s Pub.

Road trip places to stay pro-tip:

I also recommend using this lodge as a stopping point along I5 if you’re interested in breaking up the trip to visit different areas on the south side of Mt. St. Helens, near Cougar, WA. Check out these two articles for more information: Amazing lava and lakes — explore the south side of Mt. St. Helens and Spirit Lake Washington road trip — the secret side of Mt. St. Helens.

The “other” Vancouver — the one in Washington State, just outside of Portland.

Vancouver, Washington is much like Federal Way going the other direction — you might just want to “get going” or “get there.” But hear me out. There are some interesting ways to make this a unique stop along the Seattle to Portland drive.

Most importantly for those driving southbound from Seattle, if you hit traffic wrong it might be better on your mental health to take in some sights in Vancouver, Washington until the roads are flowing again. If this is the case, be sure to stay on Interstate 5 rather than the Portland bypass Interstate 205 — which leads to Interstate 84 and eventually to Downtown Portland.

Fort Vancouver makes an interesting stop, but I enjoy downtown Vancouver, Washington’s new life emerging — especially the Vancouver, Washington Waterfront Community. Take Exit #1C (From Seattle) or Exit #1B ( from Portland).

Two eager eaters sit in a booth in downtown Vancouver, Washington waiting to devour pancakes and omelettes and fruit. They are smiling. One is a man with a blue shirt and the other a woman with a cream colored sun dress.

Vancouver, Washington’s waterfront community:

Just adjacent to the bustling Interstate 5 drawbridge, a reinvention of a sleepy suburb is taking shape along the banks of the Columbia River. Stop for coffee, a tasty bite, or stretch your legs surveying interesting art on the thoughtful promenade. This is an excellent place to wait out traffic on your Seattle to Portland drive.

The iconic Portland Outdoor Store in downtown Portland shows off a green retro style neon sign with white lettering while other vintage red brick buildings stand across the street and further down.

Seattle to Portland drive — a day trip of unique detours

The drive between Seattle and Portland doesn’t have to be a slog, and hopefully, these hints make for a unique, fun day exploring local areas along the route. Get an early start, be open to the possibilities and enjoy plenty of stops and food along the way. All in, the meandering of this complete itinerary could take up an entire day, and is well worth it to enjoy these diverse options. Now get out there and road trip!

Road trip places to stay pro-tip:

Forest Bathing somewhere between Seattle and Portland?

Forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, is a concept that originated in Japan in the 1980s as its population migrated from rural to urban living to support a booming economy based on manufacturing and technology. However, in this transition, companies found that their employees were prone to sickness and burnout.

Japan’s government commissioned studies to get to the root problem. They found empirical proof that a mindful re-connection to the Natural World worked well as a remedy against the stress of daily life in a demanding corporate environment.

The concept of “forest bathing” comes from the phytoncides and other essential oils emitted from forest trees. They quite literally rain down. Several studies have shown that the fragrance of phytoncides reduces stress and promotes immunocyte growth, including natural killer (NK) cells.

Furthermore, a growing body of research points to the beneficial effects of exposure to the Natural World on health, reducing stress, and promoting healing. Some studies further clarify that only 20 minutes daily (of immersive Natural experiences) are essential to producing lasting benefits such as lower blood pressure, higher concentration, improved mental health, regulating cortisol levels, neutralizing inflammation, and even higher sexual satisfaction.

If you’re interested in more information, I’ve written a step-by-step guide, “Forest Bathing for Beginners” that offers simple and proven ways to find more meaning and fulfillment in a deeper Nature Connection.

Matthew Kessi smiles while on a nature connection experience in a secret corner of Mt. Rainier National Park. He's wearing layers of gray and green clothing and the forest path behind him is full of different shades of green, and abundant varieties of ferns and moss.

Where can you go Forest Bathing on the Seattle to Portland drive?

The answer is anywhere! If you want some pointers, check out my article, “Forest Bathing Near Me — a guide to finding the best places to connect with Nature.”

A rotting tree on a forest bathing trail shows a hole in the middle looking into the woods with green textures and variations on colors everywhere. The decay of the tree is red and orange.

Integrative Map — Seattle to Portland road trip planner

This map is curated from a lifetime traversing the road between Oregon and Washington. All the suggestions are my own, and I do not receive compensation for these tried and true recommendations.

Break from the status quo.

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Matthew Kessi selfie on a hike in a fall setting high on a cliff overlooking a placid lake. There is a boardwalk behind him with yellow and red fall colors.

This tile shows a historic lodge on Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula with creme colored eaves holding flower baskets. The text offers a pacific northwest expert to help you with travel planning by booking a zoom travel counseling session. The lake is visible in the background.

Travel the Pacific Northwest with purpose and meaning.

A lifetime of wandering about Oregon and Washington State gives me powerful practical wisdom to share about travel. And you receive the bonus of my unique mystic connection to the land. I can show you how and where to deepen in nature. This is perfect for:

First time visitors to the Pacific Northwest.
Locals hosting out-of-town visitors.
Those wanting to experience travel + nature + spirit in new ways.

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Learn what impedes, supports, and transforms you through Nature Meditation.

Are you stuck in the hamster wheel of daily life, yearning for change but unsure where to start? Are life circumstances overwhelming you, leaving you feeling lost and anxious? Is there a background static of uncertainty holding you back? Welcome to a transformative nature immersion retreat and guided mindfulness experience that will empower you to see your wild nature. You will forever be changed.

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Seattle to Portland drive — road trip planner to make the day unique